Criteria of Dynamic Correspondence (brief overview)

by Nizar Abu-Hamdeh

For greatest possible effectivity of training and transfer of the training exercises, it is necessary to do special strength training - preceded by sufficient general strength training (Weineck, 2004).

To maximize this transfer of training effect, Verkhoshansky and Siff (1998) suggest that the following aspects, also known as the Criteria of Dynamic Correspondence, are considered when selecting the training exercises.

The exercise must resemble the amplitude and direction of movement
The accentuated region of force production must be considered. In other words, where in the amplitude of movement are the highest forces produced?
Consider the dynamics of the effort. For example, should the exercise involve an explosive concentric contraction, or a slow eccentric contraction?
Look at the rate and time of maximum force production of the skill or an aspect of it. Try to resemble it in the training exercise.
The regime of muscular work (the type of muscle contraction)

Yessis (2006) explains the above explained criteria of dynamic correspondence, using the training for improved running speed as an example.

1. The exercise must duplicate the exact movement witnessed in a certain segment of the sports skill. For example, an exercise to duplicate the exact ankle, knee, hip, or shoulder joint action in running.
2. The exercise must involve the same type of muscular contraction as used in the skill execution. For example, in the knee drive exercise, the muscles undergo an explosive concentric (shortening) contraction (after being pre-tensed) to produce maximum force and resultant running speed. After the initial contraction the limb continues on via its own momentum until the antagonist muscles undergo a strong eccentric (lengthening) contraction to slow down and stop the limb before an injury can occur. The special exercise can also duplicate the speed of movement.
3. The special exercise must have the same range of motion as in the skill action. For example, in running, doing an exercise with the arm raised above the head and then pulling it downward may use the same muscles, but it does not duplicate the same range of muscular arm action. A more specific exercise is to move the arm backward and upward so that it duplicates the exact range of motion which occurs in the running stride.

References:

Siff, M.C., and Y.V. Verkhoshansky. Supertraining: Strength Training for Sporting Excellence. (3rd ed.). Johannesburg, South Africa: University of the Witwatersrand. 1998.

Weineck, J.: Optimales Training. Leistungsphysiologische Trainingslehre unter besonderer Berücksichtigung des Kinder- und Jugendtrainings. 14. Aufl. Spitta Verlag, Balingen 2004.

Yessis, M.: General and Specific Exercises in Sport. Ultimate Athlete Concepts, 2006. http://www.ultimateathleteconcepts.com/General_and_Specific_Exercises_in_Sport_Part_I.pdf